Rear Center Airbag from Toyota
2009 March 16
Toyota announced it will be the first to equip vehicles with a rear center airbag that will inflate to protect occupants from colliding with the console or each other in a side-impact collision. These airbags have the potential to save lives and prevent major injuries such as paralysis or brain injuries as the result of side impact collisions.
This is one of a host of new technologies announced by Toyota to protect occupants. Wired.com reports;
The added airbags are one of a host of safety features announced last month, including an upgraded pre-crash safety system that changes seat positions for rear passengers when a crash is probable. If the front sensors detect an unavoidable collision, the rear seat backs tilt upward. In a rear impact, the seat back movement is joined by “Intelligent Headrests” that shift so as to reduce whiplash.
The following illustration was included in the Wired.com article and illustrates how the pre-crash safety system can help.
Both of these technologies should be incorporated into all Toyota brand vehicles. Technology that can and will save lives should be included as a standard feature in all vehicles.
